BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Use a Pressure Washer

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Pressure washing can be a quick, easy way to clean your car, driveway, deck or siding. However, the powerful stream of water can also inflict damage if not handled properly. By learning a few techniques and principles, you'll get the job done more quickly and won't risk harming your home or family in the process.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Gloves
Water Source
Power source (electric or gas)
Pressure washer accessories
Eye protection
Pressure-washer approved chemicals (as needed)

Step1

Before using a pressure washer, review the manufacturer's guidelines about operation. Every pressure washer model is different and following the directions for your model will help you operate it safely and effectively.

Step2

Assess your project and develop a plan. Consider the flow of gravity: if you're pressure washing siding or a fence, work from top to bottom, for decks and driveways, work downhill. Consider breakable and delicate objects such as windows, vents or light fixtures that you'll want to avoid pressure washing.

Step3

Select a nozzle, or tip, for the project. Nozzles attach to the end of the pressure-washing wand that is connected by a hose to the pressure washer pump and motor. The nozzle determines the water pressure; like putting your thumb over the end of a garden hose. The smallest angle, or opening, will deliver the most power. Most models include several different nozzles and the owner's manual will provide information about the most appropriate use for each one. Attach any accessories, such as extension wands for reaching high places or water brooms for large flat areas, when you connect the nozzle.

Step4

Decide if you'll use chemicals. Most models have an injector or special nozzle that allows you to add detergents or degreasers to the pressure spray. Adding chemicals can make some cleaning projects easier. Consult the owner's manual for help selecting the appropriate chemical solution and about how to add chemicals to your pressure washer.

Step5

Put on protective eyewear and gloves before you begin. If the motor is loud, you also might want ear plugs or protective headphones.

Step6

Before starting your pressure washer, check that all connections are tight, a loose nozzle can become a projectile that will hurt people and damage property when you turn on the power.

Step7

Start the pressure washer and test the spray. Begin by spraying away from the surface or object you want to clean and then slowly point the wand toward it from 3 to 4 feet away. Make a few passes and then stop for a moment to see if it is clean. If not, move closer.

Step8

After determining the ideal spraying distance, continue making slow, methodical passes over the surface until you've cleaned the surface or object to your satisfaction.

Step9

If you've used a chemical solution, wait 5 to 10 minutes to let the chemical work and then pressure wash the surface again using water to rinse it away.

Tips & Warnings

Work from the high point to the low point to avoid streaking surfaces you've already cleaned.
Point the pressure-washing wand at a slight downward angle to avoid spraying the surface at a direct angle; this will mitigate the force of the pressure reducing the likelihood of damage.
Use only pressure washer approved, biodegradable chemicals. Consult your owner's manual about what chemical to use on a particular surface. Non-approved chemicals can damage your pressure washer and non- biodegradable chemicals such as bleach will damage the environment.
Pressure washers are powerful. Never point them at people or animals; they can cause serious injury.
Err on the side of lower pressure. You can always switch to a nozzle with a smaller angle or stand closer for more power, but using too much pressure or standing too close can damage the surface you're trying to clean.
For gas models, don't fill the gas tank while the pressure washer is running.

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Comments

cs1solo said

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on 8/3/2007 So what you're saying is, washing the dirt off my deck into the dirt around my deck could damage the environment! Brilliant!

ecarso said

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on 1/8/2007 Water quality concerns have not been considered other than "biodegradable cleaners." So you can use biodegradable cleaners then everything is hunky dory. NOT!!! What about whatever is being cleaned up? Is that something that should be going into our creeks, rivers, and ocean? How about mentioning a way to divert the runoff to a grass area or some other pervious surface so the junk doesn't go directly into our waterways. Or maybe using an absorbant boom to catch the nasty stuff. Or using gravel bags as a berm to catch nasty stuff that can be vacummed up after and put in the trash where it belongs.